An ancient and long forgotten temple stands at the old imperial crossroads not too far from the nearby Village of Rosedale and the Shire of Shotwell located in the southwest of the Norselands. Its roof has collapsed and lay in rubble scattered across the main room. Most of the ionic columns still stand. A large statue lay in ruins in the middle of the floor smashed to rubble.

Like all temples, it was built to honor some deity whose name is lost and unremembered. Perhaps the disciples and clerics died or migrated to other lands, no one knows or cares.

The stone roads haven’t been used in centuries and are mostly covered in dirt, wild grasses and other foliage.

Through the years - the village and surrounding hamlets, thorps and farms have forbidden its citizens ~ especially children from going anywhere near the old temple as many believe it is haunted by ghost and spirits from the netherworlds.

Another ancient and dilapidated structure, a tholos that is just up the hill ~ may have housed an oracle.

The temple is surrounded by a wall and the main entrance is through the Lion’s Gate from the north imperial road.

In the last year, strange things have happened around the temple. Most of the wild animals have gone, instead there are bird men creatures that have been spotted. Some nights are very dark in the hills around that area.Carts pulled by horses, driven by men or demi-human men have seen going north on the old stone road. Villagers couldn't see their faces as they were covered with hoods had their heads down.

A giant insect-like creature tried to attack Millicent Bagbottom in Shotwell, but the monster was driven off by her husband and children using pitchforks and rocks. They said they saw another monster far back in the trees.

The shire and the village have set up small militias to guard their homes and the road between them. And no one goes out at night except the night watch. The mayors have appealed to the City of Lillehammer, but they haven't received any word back yet.

During the last full moon, a large wolf was seen up on a hill baying at the moon. This frightened everyone as there have never been wolves in this area of the Norselands.

And then the news of the high priest of Mithril being abducted from his chancellery in Helsingborg made its way into the area. Many wonder if the good priest is being held in the hills by the temple or nearby where the tholos is.

Some of the elders recall there were stairways that went down beneath the temple, but those were filled in with rubble and dirt from some of the pillars. But, no one has been back there in many a year and all are too afraid to go there and have a look.

I'm thinking about play testing the archer class from the Black Box. I would run her as a NPC . . . if you guys (and thus the party) are OK with it.

Most likely halfling 2nd level.

Lemmeno what you think.

Thanks.

ooooh an archer. I could roll up a druid if that makes a better fit.

Yes! That might be a better idea. The archer class is just a specialty warrior that is good with a bow. I think the druid is a more interesting class and we can use some of the bonuses from the archer class for your druid. For instance, the archer has a +1 to hit when using any bow (which would be in addition to any other bonuses). He can ride a horse and fire the bow without penalty. And he gest to wear a little better armor than the druid.

King Argenteus in the form of Nils the half-orc scholar is entertaining his friends. Sebastian - a lammasu and Cleo - a gynosphinx . . along with Hrothgar, Sir Regis, Gaston and Prospero.

Argentim is serving drinks and appetizers while the group discusses various events happening in Scandia and around Jorde.

Accolytes led by Maurice, remove plates and stoke the fireplace.

Just then, the following personages enter the room:

Brigitte, Empress of NormandiaCount Rhuveinus and Shu LienPrincess Olivija of DaniaFriar Tuck, warrior priest who wields a foil as a masterLarooHylde, the good witch of JordeLucius T. Carbuncle hobbit brewmaster of Knobhill

Nils and Argentim welcome the visitors with hugs and kisses and introduce them to the guests.

It seems that Cleo and Sebastian know the Princess Olivija as they greet her with reverence, respect and love.And then, all gather around the Princess to ask about happenings in Dania and how King Magnus is prospering.

"Enjoy a 'world' where the fantastic is fact and magic really works!" ~ Gary Gygax

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes:" - Macbeth

Fri Jan 29, 2016 1:48 am

Penny-Whistle

Ulthal

Joined: Mon May 25, 2015 12:29 amPosts: 722

Re: Rhu's Sunday night game ~ The Forbidden Temple

Rhuvein wrote:

Penny-Whistle wrote:

Rhuvein wrote:

I'm thinking about play testing the archer class from the Black Box. I would run her as a NPC . . . if you guys (and thus the party) are OK with it.

Most likely halfling 2nd level.

Lemmeno what you think.

Thanks.

ooooh an archer. I could roll up a druid if that makes a better fit.

Yes! That might be a better idea. The archer class is just a specialty warrior that is good with a bow. I think the druid is a more interesting class and we can use some of the bonuses from the archer class for your druid. For instance, the archer has a +1 to hit when using any bow (which would be in addition to any other bonuses). He can ride a horse and fire the bow without penalty. And he gest to wear a little better armor than the druid.

So yeah, go for it!

My husband often chooses to play an archer so I don't know if I want to occupy his niche so to speak but I would be happy to be an ordinary druid who can shoot a bow but isn't a specialist or anything. Druids have lots of awesome already. Will we be starting at Fountains Abbey? Should it be a halfling?

My husband often chooses to play an archer so I don't know if I want to occupy his niche so to speak but I would be happy to be an ordinary druid who can shoot a bow but isn't a specialist or anything. Druids have lots of awesome already. Will we be starting at Fountains Abbey? Should it be a halfling?

"Enjoy a 'world' where the fantastic is fact and magic really works!" ~ Gary Gygax

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes:" - Macbeth

Fri Jan 29, 2016 11:29 pm

Penny-Whistle

Ulthal

Joined: Mon May 25, 2015 12:29 amPosts: 722

Re: Rhu's Sunday night game ~ The Forbidden Temple

Penny-Whistle has been called away to the annual Crochet Con. She tried but just couldn't get out of this one. Anyway. Elderberry and Iko seem to have really grown in their adventuring skills. PLUS. Before she set out she befriended Yutso, a wild gnomish druid who was lurking near Fountains Abbey. Never doubt the power of a really good cookie. Yutso developed a crush for Iko (BLUE FATE!) and the rest of the story may prove to become history.

It's a lively diner with acrobats, magicians, troubadours and mischievous court jesters flinging jokes around the room, but never towards the King Argenteus.He has a thick skin and only Gaston could possibly do a jester routine aimed towards his old friend - but he never would.

It's a grand banquet. Sir Regis always invites many farmers, hunters, trappers and their families from the surrounding area to attend. The children love the show, especially the magicians!

"Enjoy a 'world' where the fantastic is fact and magic really works!" ~ Gary Gygax

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes:" - Macbeth

Sun Jan 31, 2016 4:40 am

Penny-Whistle

Ulthal

Joined: Mon May 25, 2015 12:29 amPosts: 722

Re: Rhu's Sunday night game ~ The Forbidden Temple

Rhuvein wrote:

Excellente, Penny.

Druids are rare but powerful in Scandia!

Great pic . . . cute.

One thing, I forgot to update my house rules with regard to HP rolling when advancing levels.

So I see your 7, which means you started at 1st level with 6 (being 75% of max per my HRs), but I later added but didn't update the roll which says you can re-roll any 1 or 2 rolls.

Which means you can re-roll HPs for 2nd level.

Yayhhhh!

Isn't she adorable? She is Lini, Pathfinder's iconic gnome druid.

Is it ok if I roll those hp in game?

Not sure if you want her to have a god but if so I think she likes Mordius from Of Gods and Monsters p. 10

Mordius, Lady of the Lake.Symbol: Rose, Female Silhouette.Province: Air, animal, earth, healing, knowledge, plant, protection and waterCeremony: The planting of a garden raises the spell caster one level, but just once.Taboo: destroying flowers or gardensGranted ability: At 3rd level and higher can speak with plants once per day

She wouldn't use the bee as an attack animal but as a flying mount. canshe canshe pretty please?

Not sure if you want her to have a god but if so I think she likes Mordius from Of Gods and Monsters p. 10

Mordius, Lady of the Lake.Symbol: Rose, Female Silhouette.Province: Air, animal, earth, healing, knowledge, plant, protection and waterCeremony: The planting of a garden raises the spell caster one level, but just once.Taboo: destroying flowers or gardensGranted ability: At 3rd level and higher can speak with plants once per day

She wouldn't use the bee as an attack animal but as a flying mount. canshe canshe pretty please?

Is Lini her name in our game, then?

Yes, you can roll in game.

Having a deity is up to you. There will never be a penalty for not having one. But, I will check out Mordius and get back to you. I know her story well from the Codex of Erde, but I'll have to see how they presented her in OG&M.

Sir Elderberry Scrubroot, the wildly bold and audacious gnome rogueandIko Treeblight, gnome wizard whose magical power is ascending and he now wields the Blue Fate.

Lucius T. Hamfoot, halfling archer from Knobhill.

First session action:

During their stay at Fountains Abbey, the adventurers train, study and recover from various wounds received during missions.

One day, Sir Regis tells Gringnr that King Argenteus wishes to see him and would he fly up to his throne room. A griffin is provided and the dwarf cleric lands in the throne room where he sees the silver dragon who he knows as Argenteus and sometimes, Nils the half-orc scholar.

But he stares at another dragon sitting alongside the silver. It is the dragon deity Mithril, his God and benefactor. He prostrates himself and then arises when Mithril asks him to approach. The dragon thanks Gringnr for his service and the dwarf cleric thanks him for his protection.

After asking him to be seated, Mithril explains the reason for his visit. It seems a high priest of Mithril, Matthias of Kent was forcibly abducted from his chancellery in Helsingborg. The dragon lord asks Gringnr if he will undertake a journey to find and rescue the cleric.

Gringnr immediately accepts the mission and says, he will go as soon as possible and will ask some of his adventuring friends if they would be willing to accompany him. Mithril thanks his cleric and Gringnr bows and takes his leave.

Returning to the library, Gringnr tells the party of his mission and all agree to go with him including a new friend to the adventurers, a gnome druid named Yutzo. They will all leave on the morrow.

The group leaves early after a quick breakfast, led by Arlyss and four warrior elves - since the adventurers wanted to make good time south to the Inn of the Dancing Goats and then west to The Silver Dragon Inn where they would spend the evening.

After dinner and dessert, the party welcomes a visitor who respectfully requested an audience through the proprietor of the Inn. A young halfling archer introduces himself and asks if he may join the group in their quest to visit the Forbidden Temple. It seems he, like most in the shire are aware of the strange happenings down near the Shire of Shotwell.

His name is Lucius T. Hamfoot and he has a crossbow and quiver slung over his back. You see that he is tall for a hobbit and seems fairly serious, but at the same time, at ease for a halfling. He tells you that he is the son of Hawthorn Howell, the blacksmith of Knobhill and thanks the group for their consideration and steps away politely and flirts with one of the barmaids.

The party has a quick private discussion and all agree to take on the halfling archer. A bowman would be a good addition to the group. They end the evening sitting around the fire drinking hot toddies and all go up to their rooms to sleep.

Arlyss and her troupe along with the party leave the next morning and head further west and then south to the border. She and her elves bid the party good luck and leave them as they move west into The Norselands.

The heroes continue past the city of Lillehammer only stopping on the outskirts to have lunches they took from the Silver Dragon Inn. Wonderful roasted cold meats, cheese and fresh aebleskivers along with the brewer's special summer ales - a magnificent midday meal is had.

Back on the road, they ride into an area in the forest that's very dense. The trees cover the trail in many places. Yutzo and Elderberry are on the lead horses, Gringnr, Iko and Lucius in the middle and Penny brings up the rear.

At one point, the party stops because they hear a tin whistle begin to play. The party listens and wonders what or who is playing. A voice calls out, "Hello Penny-Whistle . . a penny for your thoughts! Do you enjoy the woodwind sounds of a fipple flute?"

Penny and the others return the greetings and nod their heads or say, "yes".

Just then, several pixies become visible and hold instruments which they begin to play a tune to the great delight of the party. Afterwards, the beautiful fey creatures offer elderflower cordials and hot biscuits. Penny, Iko and the others pull out candy and cakes and make tea and a grand late morning second breakfast is had by all. Luscious seems particularly happy.

The pixies get ready to take their leave, but not before warning the adventurers of tall insect creatures ahead and some very weird bird men with claws and beaks.

The group bids the pixies farewell and they continue along the trail cautiously.

Thanks to the fey creatures, the party is ready and able to defeat the insectus and dire corbys.

They ride quickly and make their way into the Shire of Shotwell safely. The group has lunch at the Green Bottle Tavern.

After a grand meal and some pipe smoking, the heroes mount their horses and ride north on the old imperial road. As they get close to the Lion's gate, it suddenly gets very dark. The group stops and everyone dismounts and grabs their weapons as they suspect some evil is about.

And then it happens . . . from a skull crypt to the east rides a death knight on a nightmare steed.

It is the most horrifying thing any of the adventurers have ever seen or read about. The tall creature is dressed in paladin's armor wielding a unholy avenger which he swings easily.

The air is cold, dark and for the first time in their lives - the heroes feel death surround them. The death knight pulls up and dismounts. He walks towards you with the avenger and then his other hand aims itself at the group and you hear the evil thing begin to speak in its evil tongue calling up those deities who reign supreme on the dark side of nature.

Just as he seems to have gained the power to turn the heroic clerics of the party and blast the others - a bright lights suddenly appears out of the sky and the darkness lifts. It's some female deity flying in with two huge worgs and she says, "You begone and your master will be next!" She points a finger at the death knight and nightmare and they both explode in fire, smoke and blue flames.

The crypt of the death knight also explodes and the ground shakes.

The beautiful goddess pauses for a moment and waves her hand over the party. Everybody is healed and relieved and lifted from the black darkness and evil spell cast by the death knight.

"I am Hecate and I am now your benefactress. Clear my temple of evil and I will be with you always. The cleric you seek is below, but not underneath the temple. Look to the tunnels. I must leave now as Odin has allowed me only one visit per day."

Not sure if Aergraith saw my post at the end of the Gnomeworld thread with regard to the next adventure, as I'm thinking of taking a break from my own modules and would be willing to run anyone of the following:

Expedition to the Barrier Peaks by Gary (sci-fi meets D&D ~ or more accurately D&D meets sci-fi ), it would be scaled down (for your character level) and shortened as it contains boatloads of levels and detail.

Warriors of Mars based on Burroughs - John Carter of Mars. Could be run inside the above module for a short less than one night session.

B1, In Search of the Unknown ~ I have my dungeon notes that from 1978 that key and populate the complex. One or two sessions (or more if y'all are interested)!

Cairn of the Skeleton King by Rob Kuntz.

Castle Zagyg/Greyhawk by Gary.

The Rising Knight by Steve - return to the dungeon adventure. It would be my level three dungeon crawl.

Un-named TSR dungeon from early on by ? - will be run almost exactly as written.

So, if Aergraith sees this please feel free to choose. Penny and Gringnr have commented in the other thread, but please add more if you wish.

From the ones you listed, I actually haven't played B1 so that might be fun.

I don't have anything from EE, but hope to get some of their stuff in the future.

Yeah, B1 is fun. Was looking at my notes today from way back and have a laugh. For some reason I put gnomes into one of the rooms. In BD&D, there are no gnomes as races or monsters, but Mike Carr had gnomes in his monster list. Oddly, most of the rooms were empty - but I think because it was the first time I was cautious and didn't want to overwhelm the group.

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